Delhi CM Inaugurates National Junior Boys Handball Championship

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inaugurated the 47th National Junior Boys Handball Championship at a government school in Pitampura, New Delhi. The national-level sporting event has brought together young handball players from across the country, reflecting the growing emphasis on grassroots sports development in the capital.

Event Organisation and Attendance

The championship is being jointly organised by the Handball Federation of India and the Delhi Handball Association. The inaugural ceremony was attended by HFI President Mahesh Kumar and several local officials. Addressing the participants, the Chief Minister interacted with athletes and officials, underlining the importance of discipline and dedication in competitive sports.

Incentives for Young Athletes

During her address, Rekha Gupta announced a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for the winning team. She also highlighted recent changes in Delhi’s sports policy, stating that allowances for state-level athletes had been increased. The move aims to reduce financial constraints faced by young players and ensure uninterrupted training and participation in tournaments.

Revised Sports Policy and Olympic Vision

The Chief Minister outlined the Delhi government’s updated prize money structure for international achievements. Under the revised policy, international medal winners are eligible for ₹7 crore for gold, ₹5 crore for silver, and ₹3 crore for bronze. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, she said that nurturing talent from the junior level would be key to achieving this long-term national goal.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Handball Federation of India is the apex body governing handball in India.
• Sports is a state subject, but major national tournaments receive central support.
• Delhi has a structured sports policy with graded incentives for international medals.
• India has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Message to Aspiring Sportspersons

Encouraging the young players, Gupta quoted cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, urging them to enjoy the game and pursue their dreams with commitment. Officials stated that such championships play a vital role in identifying and nurturing future national-level athletes while strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem at the school and junior levels.